New Raiders coach Jack Del Rio previously praised defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, who played for Del Rio in Denver and in Jacksonville. But Del Rio didn’t sign Knighton once Del Rio got the chance to do so in Oakland.
Instead, Knighton has agreed to terms with Washington, per multiple reports. Knighton told Josina Anderson of ESPN.com that he signed a one-year, $4 million contract.
It’s the first tangible sign that the market has softened to the point that relatively big-name players have begun opting for short-term contracts with a chance to try to get a more lucrative long-term deal in 2016. Knighton is ranked No. 21 on the PFT free agent Hot 100.
A third-round pick in 2009, Knighton started 16 games in 2014 and 2013, his only two seasons in Denver. He became a full-time starter as a rookie in Jacksonville, under Del Rio.